Please chime in on DVD advice!

[meowracer]

Hello - this is my second post on the site and since I got such great help the first time, I knew I could count on you seasoned Cathe exercises for this too

I have decided to try DVD workouts for a while (instead of the gym). I currently have Drill Max, Low Max, and Cardio Fusion, and the Get Ripped Series, in addition to a few others by various instructors. What I am looking for is a good weight workout to replace the gym and it seems like Gym Styles would work. I have repeatedly watched the clips but without seeing the whole thing, it is tough to be sure. Also, I would like a few more cardio DVD's - Kick, Punch, Crunch looks good - that was mentioned in my other post by one of the members and I am glad because I had seen the other Kick one and didn't care for it as much. Bottom line is, I want all of the recent ones (Hardcore Series (except for Kick Max and the Stretching one) and some of the Body Blast) but a person would go broke doing that at once! I do have achy knees and it doesn't take much to make them worse - the other joints aren't that great either, thanks to genetics!! I am also challenged in the area of coordination so anything with tricky footwork will make me too frustrated, and usually those workouts are too tough on my breathing (asthma) and knees anyway. I am 39 and in good shape - have learned to work with my "issues!" Any advice will be so much appreciated. It seems that Gym Styles is a favorite among most. How does this compare to Muscle Max? As mentioned in the other post, I bike and walk, use a Bosu (so any DVD's that could be used with this would be great too). Thank you!!

 

[Ecossaise]

I really like both Gym Styles and Muscle Max. Before I discovered Cathe, I was using Jari Love's DVDs but had to stop because the 50-something reps of each move were absolutely murder to my joints (especially my poor elbows that have not been the same since Varsity golf :-( ). I haven't had any joint pain with Muscle Max or GS and really enjoy them. I also look forward to exercising, which is a definite plus!

 

[lala1]

I love GS and 4DS, and MM! MM is a full body weight workout while the GS is a split workout and uses heavier weights, but with MM you can mix and match and use as heavy weights as you want. 4DS uses lower reps and heavier weights. a favorite.

 

[Aquajock]

The only quibble with the Gym Styles series is that it doesn't have a core routine, whereas Muscle Max and 4DS do. Have.

If you opt for the Gym Styles series, throw in the Hard Core's Core Max DVD as well for total-body conditioning.

A-Jock

 

[meowracer]

Yes! I love core work and the Core Max is one that I want. I so miss a Reebok Core class that I used to take - I loved the work that could be done on that board! I realize Core Max is different but it is so important to keep the core strong.

Thanks to all who have responded. Keep the advice coming, please! Everyone seems to be mentioning the 4DS. I had sort of veered away from that one because it seemed like there was too much hopping around. Am I wrong there? I have just watched parts of it again. Can anyone tell me if the kick boxing is more like Kick/Punch/Crunch or Kick Max? Kick Max seemed too fast/intricate for my taste. What I saw on the clip of 4DS looked fun, especially the boot camp. Would it be overboard to have the 4DS, Gym Styles, and Muscle Max for weight choices?

Thanks again! Shana

 

[MagStepr]

Shana,

I don't have GS but it is also one that I am considering getting and I'm not sure if I should. I have Muslce Max and 4DS and really enjoy both. In my opinion 4DS is worth getting just for the weight workouts alone (also the many premixes!). It is heavier weights than in MM and I find it very effective. I also like the step portions of 4DS but I personally really enjoy the step and the more intricate choreography. Muscle Max is great all around for a total body weight workout, I highly recommend that one.

Maggie

 

[JennieR]

Shana, I don't think 4DS, Gym Styles, and Muscle Max are to much for weight lifting choices. At least this way you'd have have choices. I would say Kick box is more like K,P,C (only shorter) then Kick Max. Which I really don't care for either.


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Smoke free since: 2/05/08

 

[JennieR]

Shana, you might also want to check out PLB/PUB. Pyramid Lower/Upper Body work outs. Two every good work outs IMO.

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(¸.•♥´ (¸ ;.♥•Jennie•♥

Smoke free since: 2/05/08

 

[SirenSongWoman]

Yea, I'm with AJock. Core Max is great because it has three short but hyper-effective core routines. When I first started working out to the GS 3-day split I wasn't including core at all. Now I work my core three times per week and lower body twice a week (GSL and B&G, which includes core).

 

[meowracer]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am definitely getting the gym styles and muscle max. Probably the 4 day split in the future as well, just for variety, which I really need. I've been looking at some of the older workouts that were suggested, and that led me to look at others on her site. Is cardio and weights an easy one? I don't want something that would make me feel like I hadn't done enough. And how do the ones like pyramid upper and lower, super sets and push and pull, slow and heavy, power hour, legs and glutes, step -jump-pump, etc compare to the newer workouts? I'm all for variety, but as these are not the cheapest things on the planet, and I need to add to my equipment, I do not want to end up with DVD's that are very similar. By looking at the clips, it seems like some would be repetitive but it is hard to get the full effect of the workout through the clips.

Thanks again - one day I hope to be as knowledgeable and STRONG as you ladies! For now, Cathe is still kicking my butt